Overcomer's Toolbox- Prayer

When Autumn married her husband she had no idea the kind of abuse she would receive at his hands. Lots of fear and shame as she would flee from him only to return days or weeks later, until she came to Shepherd's Gate! Autumn shares her story of overcoming and what she is doing now after 7 years!

National Domestic Violence Hotline  24/7. Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org

Shepherd's Gate- www.shepherdsgate.org

Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

This year, 2024, Shepherd’s Gate turns 40!! Yep, that’s right it has been 40 years since the doors of our first shelter opened and began serving women and children in the Bay Area of California. And in today’s episode we are going to be sharing the story of the original Overcomer and the founder of Shepherd’s Gate Alice Ann Cantelow, so grab a coffee, sit back and get ready to be inspired by this amazing woman’s story.

In today's episode of Diary of an Overcomer, Carol and Jen welcome Annette Bermudez to the podcast. Annette works at Patelco Credit Union and volunteers at Shepherd's Gate to teach the women how to get their credit and finances in order. This is a VITAL step in becoming an overcomer, many of the women who come to us have debt and have never been taught about credit and budgeting.

Annette shares some of the stories of the women who have gone through her program and cleaned up their credit score and learned about being on a budget. She also shares a few pieces of advice about financial stability. 

On this episode of Diary of an Overcomer, Carol and Jen discuss another tool to help you overcome hard circumstances- TRUSTING IN GOD. 

They cover-

• Trust defined
• What NOT trusting God looks like 
• What TRUSTING God looks like 

And then go on to give 5 practical ways to trust God. Take a listen and let us know what you think. 

King and Country 
"God Only Knows"
Wide awake while the world is sound asleep and
Too afraid of what might show up while you're dreaming
Nobody, nobody, nobody sees you
Nobody, nobody would believe you
Every day you try to pick up all the pieces
All the memories, they somehow never leave you
Nobody, nobody, nobody sees you
Nobody, nobody would believe you

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
God only knows how it's killing you
But there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

You keep a cover over every single secret
So afraid if someone saw them they would leave
But somebody, somebody, somebody sees you
Somebody, somebody will never leave you

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
God only knows how it's killing you
But there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love
There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

For the lonely, for the ashamed
The misunderstood, and the ones to blame
What if we could start over?
We could start over
We could start over
Oh, for the lonely, for the ashamed
The misunderstood, and the ones to blame
What if we could start over?
We could start over
We could start over
'Cause there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love
There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

God only knows where to find you
God only knows how to break through
God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

https://youtu.be/Q5cPQg3oq-o?si=YJqgP5jkKc_EVmUp

In this episode Carol and Jen discuss prayer. In an Overcomer's life there are certain tools that they have used in overcoming whatever obstacles were in their way. In the next three episodes we will be discussing those foundational tools. The first one we are discussing is prayer and the absolute necessity for it in the life of the believer.

In this episode Carol shares another great story about an overcomer. 

Jay was a mom trying to make ends meet while battling addiction. Every time Jay took a step forward it felt like two steps back until she ended up living in the back of her truck with her children. It took the perseverance of a woman who knew what it was like to be on the streets to help Jay find the resources she needed.  This is a story we hear all too often, but this one has a happy ending! 

In this episode, Carol and Jen are joined by Shepherd's Gate program staff, Alicia and Brittany, to discuss an innovative new recovery program called SMART Recovery.  (https://www.smartrecovery.org ) This program is not just for addictions, but is also helpful to get through unhealthy habits.

Join us and let us know what you think.
If you need prayer or have questions about Shepherd's Gate, you can email Carol at cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org. 

Betty's life started off rocky, with her dad disappearing out of her life at a young age because of his conviction as a sex offender. Carol shares her story of tragedy and triumph in this episode.

Betty's story is one we have heard often, of a rough childhood that led to poor decisions that had dire consequences that led to addictions and homelessness. But Betty's story has a happy ending because of Jesus. 

WARNING: This podcast contains a story of domestic abuse and may not be appropriate for all audiences. 

This podcast episode is a new type of episode called STORY TIME where we are simply sharing a story of an Overcomer. 

Today's Overcomer is Shay, a woman who endured 28 years of marriage to an extremely abusive man. Her story is full of hope and inspiration.

In this episode Carol and Jen discuss a new drug combination that is causing the user to experience a "zombie-like" state, rotting flesh and a painful come down, making it even harder to get off the drug.

 Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.